Florida ranks high in total number of on-the-job injuries, following only Texas and California. Specific industries have a higher rate of injuries than others. Florida is unique in that some of our industries have a very different accident occurrence level than most of the United States.
If you have been injured in any type of work-related accident, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation in Florida. A workers’ compensation lawyer Florida can help you get started with a claim or work through the clams appeal process.
Workplace Deaths Across the United States
In 2013, there were approximately 4,400 fatal work injuries that occurred across the United States. This means that there are roughly 12 work-related deaths every day. Transportation accidents produced the highest number of fatalities in the United States.
*Adapted from information provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
United States Work-Related Injuries
There were another roughly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses that occurred. That means that roughly 3.3 workers were injured for every 100 workers. The agricultural industry, the arts and entertainment industry, the healthcare industry and the transportation industry had the highest incidents of workplace injuries (not just workplace deaths).
*Adapted from information provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Florida Work-Related Deaths
In Florida, there were 239 total fatal work injuries in 2013. Like the rest of the United States, the majority of these fatalities occurred in the transportation industry. The incidence of workplace violence that causes death from other people or animals is also slightly higher in Florida than in the rest of the United States. Falls, slips, and trips deaths are also higher. However, Florida had no fatalities related to fires or explosions in the workplace during 2013.
*Adapted from information provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Men are far more likely than women to die in a workplace related accident in Florida. In 2013, there were 221 male deaths and only 17 female deaths. Those between the ages of 35 to 64 have a much higher rate of workplace death as well. The service providing occupations had the highest total number of fatalities in 2013 (with 137 deaths).
Florida Work-Related Injuries
Florida was also home to 222,600 recorded nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2010 (the most recent data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics).
*Adapted from information provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Compared to the rest of the United States, Florida seems to have a higher occurrence of industries in the healthcare professions and in retail trade. The incidence of injuries related to utilities also seems to be much lower.
Workers’ Compensation in Florida
In 2014, there were 53,318 reported workers’ compensation cases. Each case had an average medical expense of $13,167. Average total benefits were $18,718.
Workers’ compensation cases in Florida tend to involve the same type of accidents over and over again. For example, the most common injury involves a strain or sprain, with falls or slips being the second most common type of injury.
*Adapted from information provided by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Sometimes, employers and insurance companies will deny your workers’ compensation claim because they argue that the injury did not occur at work or did not develop due to your work-related activities. They may also try to claim that your injuries are not as severe as they actually are. Should this happen to you, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Beyond Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Florida
If you have been injured at work and your injury is going to cost more than workers’ compensation will provide to you, then you may be able to assert a personal injury claim. When you go through the Florida workers’ compensation system, you are giving up your right to sue for more compensation. In serious injuries, workers’ compensation may not be enough.
If you have been seriously injured at work, and you are unsure of what to do, call the experienced work injury lawyers at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. We can help you determine if a personal injury case or a workers’ compensation case is in your best interest. Call (561)-687-5660 for more information or to set up a free consultation.